Two and a half years ago, a few AIA members had a vision to create AIA Middle East and this was made possible by their dedication and hard work, but ultimately it was Tom Vonier, FAIA who made it possible.

A Paris-based architect and the founding president of AIA Continental Europe, Tom has been the committee chair of AIA Continental Europe and was also the 2007 Honorary Fellows Jury Chair of American Institute of Architects.

Among Tom's many accolades, far too many to list here, Tom is currently serving as the AIA International Region's first president where he was instrumental in establishing the AIA’s newest Region. Tom has been dedicated to expanding the AIA's vision internationally, raising awareness of the AIA worldwide and expanding its membership across borders never before imagined

Tom began practice in Washington DC and later expanded to Europe for clients with worldwide projects. He gravitated to global work while in university, encouraged by Nathaniel Owings of SOM and Ron Herron of Archigram.

Built on his platform of "Influence, Focus, Innovate" Tom had this to say:

“Together, we’re setting a new direction for AIA—putting our components and our core values at the forefront. Influence and innovation will elevate architecture and our profession.”

Congratualtions Tom! We wish you all the best and are proud of everything you stand for and your unwavering commitment to the AIA!

MERIT AWARD
OUTWARD BOUND OMAN DESERT CENTER
23 DEGREES NORTH @23degreesn
Jury Comments:
“Creating a sense of space and place where there is little place. Contextual and unique with a sensitivity to its environment. Its not generic; it has a story and it was born for this particular place. The south façade had a marvelous vernacular texture.”
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#AIAme2017 #architect #architecture #building

HONOR AWARD
MOSQUE OF LIGHT
Studio Niko Kapa
Jury Comments:
“ This is a very beautiful proposal for a truly experiential building. it is an outstanding and sensible project. There is particular poetry in the presentation, that was unique among all the submissions.”
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#AIAme2017 #architect #architecture #building

MERIT AWARD
KUWAIT UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION FACILITIES BUILDING
PACE Architecture and Engineering + Planning @pacemiddleeast
Jury Comments:
“The shading screens make for very interesting skin on the varied forms of all the building; they are modern interpretations of traditional patterns. The dramatic interiors are distinctive among all of the submissions.”
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#AIAme2017 #architect #architecture #building